Students who have traditionally experienced difficulties in their home school often need a new and different learning environment to be successful. At the Cortland Alternative School, students in grades 9-12 are placed into small family groups that meet weekly to focus on team building, problem-solving, and building self-esteem. In addition, each student meets regularly with his or her family group leader to work on individual goals and monitor progress in the program. Rigorous academics are stressed through project-based learning opportunities that incorporate problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communications skills. The goal of the program is to produce high school graduates who are college and career ready and will become productive, contributing members of their communities.